Football | 4/16/2010 8:14:51 AM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Methodist University has announced Jim Sypult, head football coach since 1992, will step down following the 2010 season. Associate Head Coach Dave Eavenson will take over as the third football coach in program history.

"I have been most fortunate and proud to have served at MU during every one of Coach Sypult's years as the head football coach of our Monarchs,” said Director of Athletic Bob McEvoy. “He has touched many young lives in a positive way and built a well respected program over the last 18 years within the NCAA Division III football community.” 

Sypult was named head coach of the Monarchs Jan. 23, 1992, replacing John Crea, who served as the head coach for the first three years of the program. Within five years, Sypult took the team from 0-10 to 9-1 finishing the 1997 season ranked 20th in the country for Division III. The team finished 7-3 in 2000, earning Sypult inaugural Dixie Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors. In 2005, the team went 8-2 to garner a share of the conference championship—a first in program history.

“Methodist gave me an opportunity to be a head football coach and I'm grateful,” said Sypult. “I'll miss most the outstanding coaches I've been around, and the players, most especially, for their dedication and love of football.”

During his tenure, 11 players have earned All-American honors while 21 players have been awarded first-team All-Conference recognition. Sypult has coached hundreds of players on his way to winning 87 games.

“It is not always about the wins and losses,” Sypult said. “When I leave, I want them to say I made a difference.”
McEvoy has high hopes for the fall 2010 season. “It is my sincerest hope that in his final season at MU, he will have an outstanding year, and go out with the proper recognition and accolades he so richly deserves."

At the conclusion of the 2010 football season, and as he hands the reins over to Associate Head Coach Dave Eavenson, Sypult will remain at Methodist University, assigned to other duties within the athletic department until completion of the academic year.

“The goals, mission, standards and values won't change even if the personality and approach will,” said Sypult. “I know this program is in good hands. It will only move forward.”

Serving under Sypult's leadership, Eavenson, who is a graduate of Methodist, has been on the coaching staff for 10 years. Since returning to his alma mater for the 2000 season, Eavenson has served as offensive coordinator, helping the Monarchs become one of the top offensive teams in the conference. Throughout his tenure, the Methodist offense has ranked consistently in the upper tier of the conference, and during 2003, the Monarchs spent much of the season ranked in the top-15 in the nation in rushing offense.

“Coach Sypult has spent the past 19 years working very hard to build an outstanding football program at Methodist and I am proud and honored to take over the leadership of this great football program from my mentor,” Eavenson said. “We have an outstanding group of coaches and players who will carry on the great tradition of Methodist football.” 

"I have the utmost confidence that Dave Eavenson is the perfect fit to be our new head football coach,” said McEvoy. “Dave bleeds green and gold and is a tireless recruiter and a great role model for all of our students at MU. I look for continued positive growth and success of the program under Dave's leadership for many years to come."

The Monarchs will open the 2010 season in Monarch Stadium when they host Randolph-Macon Sept. 4 at 1 p.m.